Auxiliary securing strap for use with a helmet having a primary chin strap and an integral front chin-guard portion

ABSTRACT

An auxiliary securing strap is for use with a helmet having a primary chin strap, a cranial portion, and an integral front chin-guard portion. The integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet has lateral end portions securely engaging the cranial portion. The auxiliary securing strap includes a strap end portion that is adapted to securely engage the primary chin strap of the helmet. The auxiliary securing strap also includes a guard end portion that is in substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with the strap end portion. The guard end portion is adapted to securely engage the integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of helmet securing straps, and more particularly, to an auxiliary securing strap for use with a helmet having a primary chin strap and an integral front chin-guard portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, it is well known that a variety of recreational and occupational activities require the use of protective helmets. For example, the users of off-road recreational vehicles frequently are required, or otherwise choose, to wear protective off-road helmets. Off-road recreational vehicles commonly include mountain bikes, off-road BMX bikes, motocross bikes, all-terrain vehicles, snow-mobiles, jet-skis, and go-carts among others.

Off-road helmets are known to play a critical role in the event of a collision, and it is extremely important to ensure that they fit snugly and are properly secured. In the prior art, such helmets have heretofore been provided with a cranial portion defining a substantially open face aperture. In use, the face of a user is also typically partially occluded by an integral front chin-guard portion which extends about the jaw and preferably covers the chin, mouth and nose region of the user. Such prior art helmets have typically also defined a neck aperture which may be used to remove or to put on the helmet. In such prior art helmets, a standard chin strap extends substantially from one lower lateral side of the helmet to the other, so as to fit snugly below the user's chin when the helmet is properly worn. Prior art helmets of this general type have, over the years, saved thousands of lives and prevented countless injuries to off-road enthusiasts.

The foregoing notwithstanding, however, a number of preventable head injuries occur each year, and are frequently due to the rotation or movement of the helmet up-and-backward relative to the user's head (i.e., generally in a chin-to-forehead direction as will be further described hereinbelow). Such up-and-backward rotation or movement of the helmet has been known to occur at particularly inopportune times, such as after a collision or fall from the off-road vehicle. It should be appreciated, therefore, that one of the shortcomings of prior art off-road helmets is the difficulty associated with properly and safely securing same in place on the head of the user.

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap for use with a helmet having a primary chin strap and an integral front chin-guard portion.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap for use with an off-road helmet of the type aforesaid.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap which helps to properly and safely secure the helmet in place on the head of the user.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap which reduces the risk of head injuries being sustained by the users of off-road vehicles.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap which reduces the severity of head injuries sustained by the users of off-road vehicles.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap which helps to prevent up-and-backward rotation of the helmet relative to the user's head.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap which reduces the risk of up-and-backward rotation of the helmet after a collision and after an impact following a fall.

It is a yet still further object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap which securely and removably engages an integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet.

It is a yet still further object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary securing strap which securely and removably engages a standard or primary chin strap of the helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed an auxiliary securing strap for use with a helmet having a primary chin strap, a cranial portion, and an integral front chin-guard portion. The integral front chin-guard portion has left and right lateral end portions securely engaging the cranial portion. The auxiliary securing strap comprises a strap end portion that is adapted to securely engage the primary chin strap of the helmet. The auxiliary securing strap further comprises a guard end portion that is in substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with the strap end portion. The guard end portion is adapted to securely engage the integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the strap end portion comprises a strap engaging member that is adapted to securely engage the primary chin strap of the helmet as aforesaid. The strap end portion further comprises a chin engaging member that securely engages the strap engaging member. The chin engaging member is adapted to engage the chin of a user. The chin engaging member is in the substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with the guard end portion.

In accordance with a further aspect of the preferred embodiment, the strap engaging member is further adapted to securely engage the primary chin strap in removably secure strap relation.

In accordance with still another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the strap engaging member comprises a first web of material that is adapted to engage the primary chin strap in the removably secure strap relation.

In accordance with a different aspect of the preferred embodiment, the guard end portion is further adapted to securely engage the integral front chin-guard portion in removably secure guard relation.

In accordance with a further aspect of the preferred embodiment, the guard end portion comprises left and right guard sub-straps. Each of the guard sub-straps is adapted to engage the integral front chin-guard portion in the removably secure guard relation.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the preferred embodiment, each of the guard sub-straps is adapted to engage a respective one of the lateral end portions of the integral front chin-guard in the removably secure guard relation.

In accordance with a yet further aspect of the preferred embodiment, each of the guard sub-straps extends, in the removably secure guard relation, about the respective one of the lateral end portions in substantially vertically circumferencing relation.

In accordance with yet still another aspect of the preferred embodiment, each of the guard sub-straps comprises a first sub-strap end portion, a second sub-strap end portion, and a sub-strap intermediate portion. The sub-strap intermediate portion is substantially juxtaposed in secure relation between the first sub-strap end portion and the second sub-strap end portion. The second sub-strap end portion is in the substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with the chin engaging member.

In accordance with a yet still further aspect of the preferred embodiment, each of the guard sub-straps is provided with a respective releasable hook and loop guard fastening portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the guard end portion further comprises left and right securing rings. Each of the securing rings is securely mounted substantially adjacent to a respective one second sub-strap end portion. Each of the guard sub-straps extends as aforesaid about the respective one of the lateral end portions in the substantially vertically circumferencing relation. The first sub-strap end portion further extends through a respective one of the securing rings. The first sub-strap end portion is foldable back over the intermediate portion to secure the respective releasable hook and loop guard fastening portion.

In accordance with a different aspect of the preferred embodiment, the first web of material of the strap engaging member has first and second web ends fixedly secured to the chin engaging member. The chin engaging member and the first web of material together define a primary chin strap receiving aperture. The primary chin strap of the helmet removably extends, in the removably secure strap relation, through the primary chin strap receiving aperture.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the strap engaging member further comprises a releasable hook and loop strap fastening portion securely mounted to the first web of material.

In accordance with another aspect of the alternate embodiment, the strap engaging portion further comprises a central securing ring mounted substantially adjacent to the chin engaging member. The first web of material extends through the central securing ring. The first web of material is foldable to secure the releasable hook and loop strap fastening portion. The chin engaging member and the first web of material together define a primary chin strap receiving aperture. The primary chin strap of the helmet removably extends, in the removably secure strap relation, through the primary chin strap receiving aperture.

In accordance with the present invention there is also disclosed a helmet apparatus comprising a cranial portion, an integral front chin-guard portion, a primary chin strap, and an auxiliary securing strap. The cranial portion is adapted to securely engage the head of a user. The integral front chin-guard portion has left and right lateral end portions. Each of the lateral end portions securely engages the cranial portion. The integral front chin-guard portion is adapted to extend laterally about a front portion of the chin of the user. The primary chin strap is adapted to securely engage a lower portion of the chin of the user in substantially adjacent relation to the neck of the user. The auxiliary securing strap comprises a strap end portion, an intermediate chin portion, and a guard end portion. The strap end portion securely engages the primary chin strap. The intermediate chin portion securely engages the strap end portion. The intermediate chin portion is adapted to engage the lower portion of the chin of the user. The guard end portion securely engages the intermediate chin portion and the integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the strap end portion engages the primary chin strap in removably secure strap relation.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the strap end portion comprises a first web of material that is adapted to engage the primary chin strap in the removably secure strap relation.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the guard end portion engages the integral front chin-guard portion in removably secure guard relation.

In accordance with a yet further aspect of the invention, the guard end portion comprises left and right guard sub-straps, with each of the guard sub-straps engaging a respective one of the lateral end portions of the integral front chin-guard in the removably secure guard relation.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, each of said guard sub-straps extends, in the removably secure guard relation, about the respective one of the lateral end portions in substantially vertically circumferencing relation.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings and photographs, the latter of which are briefly described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the auxiliary securing strap according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings and photographs in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings and photographs are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings and photographs:

FIG. 1 is a top front left perspective view of an auxiliary securing strap according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in use with an off-road helmet;

FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 1, with the off-road helmet shown in phantom outline;

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view, similar to FIG. 2, of an auxiliary securing strap according to an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of the alternate auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top front perspective view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 1, shown removed from the off-road helmet in a secured configuration;

FIG. 7 is a top rear perspective view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top elevational view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a bottom elevational view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a bottom elevational view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 6, shown in a released configuration;

FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 6, shown in a first securing configuration;

FIG. 12 is a top rear right perspective view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 6, shown in a second securing configuration; and

FIG. 13 is a top elevational view of the auxiliary securing strap of FIG. 6, shown in a third securing configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an auxiliary securing strap 40 in use with an off-road helmet 20 having a primary chin strap 24 and an integral front chin-guard portion 26. The helmet 20 has a cranial portion 22 which, together with the integral front chin-guard portion 26, defines a substantially open face aperture 32 and a substantially open neck aperture 34 (best seen in FIG. 4) which may be used to remove or to put on the helmet 20. The primary chin strap 24 extends substantially from one lower lateral side of the helmet 20 to the other, across the neck aperture 34, so as to fit snugly below the user's chin substantially adjacent to the user's neck when the helmet is properly worn (not shown). In the prior art, a number of preventable head injuries have occurred each year which have been due, in part, to the rotation or movement of the helmet 20 in an up-and-backward direction relative to the user's head, as indicated generally by arrow “A” in FIG. 1.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the auxiliary securing strap 40 comprises a guard end portion 48 and a strap end portion 41 which includes a strap engaging member 62. The guard end portion 48 is adapted to securely and removably engage the integral front chin-guard portion 26 of the helmet 20 in use. The strap engaging member 62 is adapted to securely and removably engage the primary chin strap 24 of the helmet 20 in use. The strap end portion 41 of the auxiliary securing strap 40 further comprises a chin engaging member 42, intermediate of the strap engaging member 62 and the guard end portion 48, that has upper and lower surfaces 44, 46. The upper surface 44 of the strap engaging member 62 is adapted to be engaged by a lower portion of the chin of a user (not shown) when the helmet 20 and the auxiliary securing strap 40 are in a secured configuration (best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4) and properly secured in place on the head of the user (not shown).

As best seen in FIGS. 4, 6 and 9, the strap engaging member 62 comprises a first web of material 64 having first and second web ends 66, 68 fixedly secured to the lower surface 46 of the chin engaging member 42, such that the lower surface 46 and the first web of material 64 together define a primary chin strap receiving aperture 70. In use, the primary chin strap 24 of the helmet 20 is secured within the primary chin strap receiving aperture 70 in removable through-passing relation (best seen in FIG. 4).

As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 9, the guard end portion 48 of the auxiliary securing strap 40 includes left and right guard sub-straps, 50 and 54 respectively. The left and right guard sub-straps, 50 and 54, removably and securely engage respective left and right lateral end portions, 28 and 30, of the integral front chin-guard portion 26 of the helmet 20 in use. The guard end portion 48 also comprises left and right securing rings, 58 and 60 respectively.

Further, each of the left and right chin-guard sub-straps, 50 and 54, is provided with a releasable hook and loop guard fastening portion, 52 and 56 respectively (hereinafter, alternately referred to as VELCRO® chin-guard fasteners 52, 56). Each of the VELCRO® chin-guard fasteners 52, 56 has a hook portion 52 a, 56 a and a loop portion 52 b, 56 b respectively.

As shown in FIG. 10, each of the guard sub-straps 50, 54 comprises a first sub-strap end portion 51 a, 55 a, a second sub-strap end portion 51 b, 55 b, and a sub-strap intermediate portion 51 c, 55 c. Each sub-strap intermediate portion 51 c, 55 c is substantially juxtaposed in secure relation between its respective first sub-strap end portion 51 a, 55 a and its second sub-strap end portion 51 b, 55 b. Each second sub-strap end portion 51 b, 55 b is in substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with the chin engaging member 42.

In use, and starting from a released configuration of the auxiliary securing strap 40 (best seen in FIG. 10), each of the left and right guard sub-straps, 50 and 54, extends underneath and upward about the integral front chin-guard portion 26 of the helmet 20 in substantially vertically circumferencing relation (best seen in FIG. 2). Though the auxiliary securing strap 40 is actually used with the helmet 20 in the secured configuration, reference is hereinafter made to FIGS. 11 through 13 wherein the helmet 20 is not shown.

It will be appreciated that, in use, and after extending as aforesaid about the integral front chin-guard portion 26 of the helmet 20 in substantially vertically circumferencing relation, the first sub-strap end portion 51 a of the left guard sub-strap 50 extends in a first securing configuration toward the left securing ring 58 (in the direction generally indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 11). Likewise, the first sub-strap end portion 55 a of the right guard sub-strap 54 extends in the first securing configuration toward the right securing ring 60 (in the direction generally indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 11).

Next, and as best seen in FIG. 12 wherein a second securing configuration is shown, the left guard sub-strap 50 is to be drawn further through the left securing ring 58 (in the direction generally indicated by arrow “D”), and the right guard sub-strap 54 is to be drawn further through the right securing ring 60 (in the direction generally indicated by arrow “E”), in removable through-passing relation.

Thereafter, and as best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 (with the latter of these figures depicting a third securing configuration), the first sub-strap end portion 51 a of the left guard sub-strap 50 is folded upward over the left securing ring 58, and the hook portion 52 a of the VELCRO® chin-guard fastener 52—substantially adjacent to the first sub-strap end portion 51 a—is then folded over the loop portion 52 b thereof which is substantially adjacent to the sub-strap intermediate portion 51 c (in the direction generally indicated by arrows “F” and “I”) to secure the left guard sub-strap 50 in place. Likewise, the first sub-strap end portion 55 a of the right guard sub-strap 54 is folded upward over the right securing ring 60, and the hook portion 56 a of the VELCRO® chin-guard fastener 56—substantially adjacent to the first sub-strap end portion 55 a—is then folded over the loop portion 56 b thereof which is substantially adjacent to the sub-strap intermediate portion 55 c (in the direction generally indicated by arrows “G” and “H”) to secure the right guard sub-strap 54 in place.

Lastly, the primary chin strap 24 of the helmet 20 is passed through and secured within the primary chin strap receiving aperture 70 in removable through-passing relation (as best seen in FIG. 4).

It should be appreciated, therefore, that the auxiliary securing strap 40 will preferably be in the secured configuration (best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4) when the left and right guard sub-straps 50, 54 extend about the integral front chin-guard portion 26 of the helmet 20 in substantially vertically circumferencing relation, with the left and right guard sub-straps 50, 54 being secured in place in the manner aforesaid, and with the chin strap 24 being secured within the primary chin strap receiving aperture 70. When the auxiliary securing strap 40 is in the aforesaid secured configuration, the off-road helmet 20 will tend to be more properly and safely secured in place on the head of the user, such that there is then a reduced risk and severity of head injuries sustained by such users of off-road vehicles. This fact is due, in part, to the role of the auxiliary securing strap 40 in helping to prevent up-and-backward rotation “A” of the helmet 20 relative to the user's head, after collisions, after impacts following falls, and otherwise.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention that is shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 (wherein similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar structures), an alternate auxiliary securing strap 40′ comprises an alternate strap engaging member 62′ which includes an alternate first web of material 64′ and a central securing ring 67 fixedly secured to the chin engaging member 42. The first web of material 64′ is provided with a releasable hook and loop strap fastening portion 65 (hereinafter, alternately referred to as a VELCRO® chin-strap fastener 65). In use, and with the chin strap 24 of the helmet positioned between the alternate first web of material 64′ and the lower surface 46 of chin engaging member 42, the alternate first web of material 64′ is then extended through the central securing ring 67 and folded back over itself to secure its VELCRO® chin-strap fastener 65 in place.

Also disclosed according to the invention, and as best seen in FIGS. 1 through 5, is a helmet apparatus 20 which removably includes, among other things, the auxiliary securing strap 40 as an integral part thereof. In an alternate embodiment which lies within the scope of the invention, but which is not shown in the accompanying figures, the auxiliary securing strap 40 may be permanently secured to both the primary chin strap 24 and the integral front chin-guard portion 26 of the helmet 20.

Of course, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the auxiliary securing strap 40 according to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the accompanying claims. For example, and without limitation, the auxiliary securing strap 40 might very easily incorporate different types of fasteners other than VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners. Likewise, the auxiliary securing strap 40 may be permanently secured to a single one of the primary chin strap 24 and the integral front chin-guard portion 26 of the helmet 20. Further, the guard end portion 48 of the auxiliary securing strap 40 might include only a single guard sub-strap. Given the preceding list of exemplary alternate embodiments of the auxiliary securing strap 40 according to the present invention, which is necessarily incomplete, it is perhaps worthwhile to once again note that the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. 

1. An auxiliary securing strap for use with a helmet having a primary chin strap, a cranial portion, and an integral front chin-guard portion, with the integral front chin-guard portion having left and right lateral end portions securely engaging the cranial portion, said auxiliary securing strap comprising: a) a strap end portion being adapted to securely engage the primary chin strap of the helmet; and b) a guard end portion in substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with said strap end portion, and with said guard end portion being adapted to securely engage the integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet.
 2. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 1, wherein said strap end portion comprises: a) a strap engaging member being adapted to securely engage the primary chin strap of the helmet as aforesaid; and b) a chin engaging member securely engaging said strap engaging member, with said chin engaging member being adapted to engage the chin of a user, and with said chin engaging member being in said substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with said guard end portion.
 3. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 2, wherein said strap engaging member is further adapted to securely engage the primary chin strap in removably secure strap relation.
 4. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 3, wherein said strap engaging member comprises a first web of material that is adapted to engage the primary chin strap in said removably secure strap relation.
 5. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 2, wherein said guard end portion is further adapted to securely engage the integral front chin-guard portion in removably secure guard relation.
 6. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 5, wherein said guard end portion comprises left and right guard sub-straps, with each of said guard sub-straps being adapted to engage the integral front chin-guard portion in said removably secure guard relation.
 7. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 6, wherein each of said guard sub-straps is adapted to engage a respective one of the lateral end portions of the integral front chin-guard in said removably secure guard relation.
 8. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 7, wherein each of said guard sub-straps extends, in said removably secure guard relation, about the respective one of the lateral end portions in substantially vertically circumferencing relation.
 9. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 8, wherein each of said guard sub-straps comprises a first sub-strap end portion, a second sub-strap end portion, and a sub-strap intermediate portion that is substantially juxtaposed in secure relation between said first sub-strap end portion and said second sub-strap end portion, with said second sub-strap end portion being in said substantially juxtaposed securely engaged relation with said chin engaging member.
 10. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 9, wherein each of said guard sub-straps is provided with a respective releasable hook and loop guard fastening portion.
 11. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 10, wherein said guard end portion further comprises left and right securing rings, with each of said securing rings securely mounted substantially adjacent to a respective one said second sub-strap end portion, with each of said guard sub-straps extending as aforesaid about the respective one of the lateral end portions in said substantially vertically circumferencing relation, and wherein said first sub-strap end portion further extends through a respective one of said securing rings, with said first sub-strap end portion being foldable back over said intermediate portion to secure said respective releasable hook and loop guard fastening portion.
 12. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 4, wherein said first web of material of said strap engaging member has first and second web ends fixedly secured to the chin engaging member, such that said chin engaging member and said first web of material together define a primary chin strap receiving aperture, and wherein the primary chin strap of the helmet removably extends, in said removably secure strap relation, through said primary chin strap receiving aperture.
 13. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 4, wherein said strap engaging member further comprises a releasable hook and loop strap fastening portion securely mounted to said first web of material.
 14. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 13, wherein said strap engaging portion further comprises a central securing ring mounted substantially adjacent to said chin engaging member, and wherein said first web of material extends through said central securing ring, with said first web of material being foldable to secure said releasable hook and loop strap fastening portion, such that said chin engaging member and said first web of material together define a primary chin strap receiving aperture, and wherein the primary chin strap of the helmet removably extends, in said removably secure strap relation, through said primary chin strap receiving aperture.
 15. A helmet apparatus comprising: a) a cranial portion adapted to securely engage the head of a user; b) an integral front chin-guard portion having left and right lateral end portions, with each of said lateral end portions securely engaging said cranial portion, with said integral front chin-guard portion adapted to extend laterally about a front portion of the chin of the user; c) a primary chin strap adapted to securely engage a lower portion of the chin of the user in substantially adjacent relation to the neck of the user; and d) an auxiliary securing strap comprising: i) a strap end portion securely engaging said primary chin strap; ii) an intermediate chin portion securely engaging said strap end portion, with said intermediate chin portion being adapted to engage said lower portion of the chin of the user; and iii) a guard end portion securely engaging said intermediate chin portion and said integral front chin-guard portion of the helmet.
 16. A helmet apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said strap end portion engages said primary chin strap in removably secure strap relation.
 17. A helmet apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said strap end portion comprises a first web of material that is adapted to engage the primary chin strap in said removably secure strap relation.
 18. A helmet apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said guard end portion engages the integral front chin-guard portion in removably secure guard relation.
 19. A helmet apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said guard end portion comprises left and right guard sub-straps, with each of said guard sub-straps engaging a respective one of said lateral end portions of said integral front chin-guard in said removably secure guard relation.
 20. An auxiliary securing strap according to claim 19, wherein each of said guard sub-straps extends, in said removably secure guard relation, about said respective one of said lateral end portions in substantially vertically circumferencing relation. 